Scroll saws are versatile tools that allow you to create intricate designs and shapes in wood, metal, and other materials. They are commonly used by hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professional woodworkers alike. If you’re just starting out with scroll sawing, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding the best beginner scroll saw for your needs.
When it comes to buying a scroll saw, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, you’ll need to decide on the type of saw you want. There are two main types of scroll saws: pinned and pinless. Pinned saws use blades with pins on the ends, which limits the types of cuts you can make. Pinless saws, on the other hand, allow you to use a wider range of blades, giving you more flexibility in your cutting.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the saw’s throat. The throat is the distance between the blade and the back of the saw. A larger throat will allow you to work with larger pieces of material, while a smaller throat is better suited for smaller projects.
Other factors to consider include the saw’s speed, vibration, and ease of use. A saw with variable speed control will allow you to adjust the speed to suit the material you’re working with. Vibration can be a significant issue with scroll saws, so it’s important to choose a saw with a sturdy base and minimal vibration. Finally, you’ll want to choose a saw that is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a comfortable grip.
In this article, we’ve researched and tested a range of beginner scroll saws to help you find the best one for your needs. We’ll take a closer look at each saw’s features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to upgrade your current saw, we’ve got you covered.
Best Beginner Scroll Saws
If you’re new to woodworking and looking to start with a versatile tool that can handle intricate cuts, a scroll saw is a great choice. Scroll saws are ideal for cutting curves, intricate designs, and detailed patterns in wood, plastic, and other materials. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best beginner scroll saws on the market to help you find the perfect tool for your needs.
WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Work Light with Flexible Work Light Scroll Saw
If you are a beginner looking for a reliable and versatile scroll saw, the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Work Light with Flexible Work Light Scroll Saw is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The unique design of this saw accepts blades in two directions, allowing for infinite ripping capacity.
- The variable speed feature allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute with the simple turn of a knob, making it easy to work on different materials.
- The spacious 16-by-11-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees to the left for angled cuts, giving you more flexibility in your projects.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the blade holder is not very sturdy and can come loose during operation, which can affect the accuracy of the cuts.
- The dust port may not be very effective in capturing all the sawdust, which can make it messy to work with.
- The saw is quite heavy, weighing in at 25.5 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or store when not in use.
Overall, the WEN 3921 16-Inch Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Work Light with Flexible Work Light Scroll Saw is a solid choice for beginners who want a reliable and versatile saw that can handle different materials and cuts. With its unique blade holder design, variable speed feature, and spacious table, this saw can help you tackle a variety of projects with ease. However, if you need a saw that is more lightweight and portable, this may not be the best option for you.
DEWALT Scroll Saw, Variable-Speed, 1.3 Amp (DW788), Yellow, 20-Inch
If you are a beginner looking for a high-quality scroll saw, the DEWALT Scroll Saw is a great choice. It is a powerful and versatile tool that can handle a wide range of woodworking projects.
Pros
- The double parallel link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise for extremely accurate cuts.
- The exclusive tool-free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds, making it easy to switch between different blades for different types of cuts.
- The arm design pivots from the back of the saw to the front, shortening the arm movement for smoother, quieter operation.
Cons
- The tension dial wears out fast when changing blades or doing multiple drilled holes, which can be frustrating for beginners.
- The price is higher than some other beginner scroll saws on the market, but the quality and performance make it worth the investment.
- The dust blower could be more powerful, as it may not clear all of the sawdust from the workpiece.
The DEWALT Scroll Saw is a great choice for beginners who want a high-quality tool that can handle a wide range of woodworking projects. The double parallel link arm design reduces vibration and noise, making it easy to achieve accurate cuts. The tool-free blade clamps and pivoting arm design make it easy to switch between blades and operate the saw smoothly.
The tension dial can wear out quickly when changing blades or doing multiple drilled holes, which can be frustrating for beginners. However, the overall quality and performance of the saw make it worth the investment. The dust blower could be more powerful, but it still does a decent job of clearing sawdust from the workpiece.
Overall, the DEWALT Scroll Saw is a reliable and versatile tool that is ideal for beginners who want a high-quality saw that can handle a wide range of woodworking projects. If you are looking for a powerful and accurate scroll saw, the DEWALT Scroll Saw is definitely worth considering.
Best Beginner Scroll Saw
If you are a beginner looking for a reliable scroll saw, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Affordable price
- Comes with a dust blower to keep your workspace clean
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
- The blade may come loose after prolonged use
- The instruction manual could be more detailed
This scroll saw is perfect for beginners who want to start their woodworking journey. It is easy to use, and you can adjust the speed according to your needs. The price is also affordable, making it an excellent investment for beginners.
The dust blower is a great feature that keeps your workspace clean and free from sawdust. This feature is especially helpful if you have allergies or respiratory problems.
The only downside to this scroll saw is that it is not suitable for heavy-duty projects. If you are looking to work on thicker materials, this may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the blade may come loose after prolonged use, so you need to check it regularly.
Overall, this is a great beginner scroll saw that is easy to use and comes with a dust blower to keep your workspace clean. If you are a beginner looking for an affordable scroll saw, this is the one for you.
Spielman’s Original Scroll Saw Patterns
If you’re a beginner in the world of scroll sawing, Spielman’s Original Scroll Saw Patterns is a great book to start with.
Pros
- The book has a good variety of easy-to-do projects.
- The patterns are wonderful for those who can’t draw.
- The book is helpful for beginners in scroll sawing.
Cons
- Some of the patterns are repeated from Spielman’s previous publications.
- The book is not entirely new and may have additional notes and patterns from previous owners.
- The patterns are more for toys than other items.
This book is a great resource for those who are just starting in scroll sawing. The patterns are easy to follow and provide a good variety of projects to work on. If you’re a beginner, this book is definitely worth purchasing.
In terms of pros, the book has a good variety of easy-to-do projects, which is perfect for those who are just starting in scroll sawing. The patterns are also wonderful for those who can’t draw, as they provide a great starting point. Lastly, the book is helpful for beginners in scroll sawing, as it provides a good foundation for learning the craft.
However, there are a few cons to consider. Some of the patterns are repeated from Spielman’s previous publications, so if you already have some of his books, you may find some overlap. Additionally, the book is not entirely new and may have additional notes and patterns from previous owners. Lastly, the patterns are more for toys than other items, so if you’re looking for more complex patterns, this may not be the book for you.
In summary, if you’re a beginner in scroll sawing, Spielman’s Original Scroll Saw Patterns is a great resource to have. It provides a good variety of easy-to-do projects and is helpful for those who can’t draw. However, if you’re looking for more complex patterns or already have some of Spielman’s previous publications, you may want to consider other options.
FOXBC Scroll Saw Blade Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable scroll saw blade set, the FOXBC 5 Inch Plain End Scroll Saw Blade Set might be just what you need.
Pros
- Sharp and precise cuts
- Long-lasting blades
- Suitable for a variety of materials
Cons
- Some blades may break easily
- Not the best option for heavy-duty projects
- May require frequent blade changes
These blades are designed for professional craftsmen who need sharp and long-lasting blades. The precision sharpened blades make it easy to cut fine, intricate shapes in woods, plastics, and non-ferrous metals.
The set includes 36 blades in a variety of TPI and widths, with 12 packs of 28 teeth per inch, 12 packs of 12 teeth per inch, and 12 packs of 10 teeth per inch. This variety makes it easy to choose the right blade for your project.
While some users have reported that the blades may break easily, others have found that they work well for cutting pieces for craft projects. Additionally, the blades are offered at a good price point and come with a variety of options for different materials.
Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner scroll saw blade set that is versatile and durable, the FOXBC 5 Inch Plain End Scroll Saw Blade Set might be a good option for you.
Olson Saw FR49400 Skip Tooth Scroll Saw Blade Assortment,36
If you’re looking for a versatile scroll saw blade for both hand and machine sawing, the Olson Saw FR49400 Skip Tooth Scroll Saw Blade Assortment,36 is a great choice. With 36 pieces of 5″ long plain end skip tooth blades, this assortment can handle a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, bone, hard rubber, wood veneer, and other fibrous materials, as well as copper, bronze, brass, and other non-ferrous metals, sandwiched between waste board.
Pros
- Available in more sizes than any other type of Olson scroll saw blade
- Skip tooth blades cut fast, provide good chip clearance
- Excellent for fast cuts that provide smooth finishes
Cons
- Blades may not be secured properly in the packaging
- Blades may not be suitable for intricate cuts
- Blades may wear out quickly when used on harder materials
If you’re a beginner looking for a versatile scroll saw blade for your projects, this assortment is definitely worth considering. The skip tooth design allows for fast cuts with good chip clearance, providing smooth finishes. The blades are available in more sizes than any other type of Olson scroll saw blade, which means you can choose the perfect size for your project.
However, the blades may not be secured properly in the packaging, so you may need to be careful when opening it. Also, the blades may not be suitable for intricate cuts, so you may need to switch to a different type of blade for those. Lastly, the blades may wear out quickly when used on harder materials, so you may need to replace them more often.
Overall, the Olson Saw FR49400 Skip Tooth Scroll Saw Blade Assortment,36 is a great choice for beginners who want a versatile blade that can handle a variety of materials. With its skip tooth design and availability in different sizes, you can achieve fast cuts with smooth finishes. Just be aware of its limitations and you’ll be able to make the most of this product.
SKIL 1.2 Amp 16 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with LED Work light for Woodworking
If you’re a beginner woodworker looking for a reliable scroll saw, the SKIL 1.2 Amp 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The foot pedal allows you to keep both hands on the workpiece, making it easier to control the saw.
- The integrated LED work light provides excellent visibility at different angles, so you can make precise cuts.
- The integrated dust removal system keeps the line free of debris, ensuring accurate cuts.
Cons
- The blade tensioner could be better designed.
- The back screw to the plate can fall off while cutting.
- The titling 16- x 10-inch worktable could be sturdier.
This scroll saw is an ideal addition to any benchtop workshop. The electronic variable speed control allows you to cut a variety of materials, and the foot pedal ensures you can keep both hands on the workpiece. The integrated LED work light provides greater visibility at a variety of angles while the integrated dust removal system keeps the line free of debris for accurate cuts. The scroll saw’s titling 16- x 10-inch worktable tilts 0 to 45 degrees for precise cuts. Keyless blade change provides fast and easy blade changes and on-tool blade storage gives you easy access to additional blades.
In terms of drawbacks, the blade tensioner could be better designed, and the back screw to the plate can fall off while cutting. Additionally, the titling 16- x 10-inch worktable could be sturdier.
Overall, the SKIL 1.2 Amp 16-Inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw is a great choice for beginners who want to make intricate cuts and patterns. It’s easy to use and provides excellent visibility and cutting control.
Flying Dutchman New Spiral Five Dozen Scroll Saw Blade Variety Pack
If you’re looking for scroll saw blades that can provide you with a smooth cut, then the Flying Dutchman New Spiral Five Dozen Scroll Saw Blade Variety Pack is an excellent option. These blades are manufactured in Germany with top-grade high-quality hardened steel, making them durable and long-lasting. The newly designed New Spiral blades are an excellent spiral blade with teeth down both sides of the blade, which gives a smoother cut than regular spiral blades.
Pros
- The blades are 5″ long and pinless, which makes them easy to install and remove.
- Milled blades make for a sharper cutting edge, which results in smoother cuts.
- The blade variety pack includes one dozen of each of the following blade sizes: #3/0, #2/0, #1, #3, and #5, which gives you a wide range of options for different projects.
Cons
- The blades are a bit more expensive than other options on the market.
- Some users have reported that the blades dull quickly, especially when cutting harder materials.
- The blades may break more easily than other options.
Overall, the Flying Dutchman New Spiral Five Dozen Scroll Saw Blade Variety Pack is a great option for those looking for high-quality, durable scroll saw blades. If you’re willing to spend a bit more money for a smoother cut, then these blades are definitely worth considering.
Shop Fox W1872 16″ VS Scroll Saw with Foot Switch, LED, Miter Gauge, Rotary Shaft
If you’re searching for a beginner scroll saw with advanced features, the Shop Fox W1872 is an excellent choice. This saw comes with a foot pedal for motor control, a flexible shaft rotary tool attachment, an LED work light, a dust blower, an X/Y axis miter gauge, and a pinless blade adapter. Its variable speed foot control can handle any scroll saw application.
Pros
- The Shop Fox W1872 comes with a wide variety of advanced features that are not typically found on beginner scroll saws.
- The foot pedal for motor control is a convenient feature that allows you to keep your hands free while using the saw.
- The LED work light and dust blower make it easy to see your work and keep your workspace clean.
Cons
- Changing the blades on this saw can be difficult, especially for beginners.
- The dust port is only 1-1/4″, which may not be large enough for some users.
- The blade stroke is only 9/16″, which may limit the thickness of materials you can cut.
If you’re looking for a beginner scroll saw with advanced features, the Shop Fox W1872 is an excellent choice. Its foot pedal for motor control, flexible shaft rotary tool attachment, LED work light, dust blower, X/Y axis miter gauge, and pinless blade adapter make it a versatile tool that can handle a wide variety of scroll saw applications.
However, changing the blades on this saw can be difficult, especially for beginners. Additionally, the dust port is only 1-1/4″, which may not be large enough for some users. Finally, the blade stroke is only 9/16″, which may limit the thickness of materials you can cut. Overall, the Shop Fox W1872 is a solid choice for those looking for an advanced beginner scroll saw with a variety of features.
Buying Guide
If you are a beginner and looking to buy a scroll saw, there are certain features you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some of the things you should look for:
Motor Power
The motor power is an important factor to consider when buying a scroll saw. The power of the motor will determine the speed and efficiency of the saw. A higher motor power will allow you to cut through thicker and harder materials with ease.
Blade Changes
The ease of changing blades is another important factor to consider. Some models come with a tool-less blade change system, which makes it easy and quick to change blades. This feature is especially useful if you plan on using different types of blades for different materials.
Throat Size
The throat size is the distance between the blade and the back of the saw. A larger throat size will allow you to work with larger pieces of wood. However, a larger throat size also means a larger and heavier saw, which might not be suitable for all users.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is an important feature to consider, especially if you plan on using the saw indoors. A good dust collection system will keep your work area clean and prevent sawdust from getting into your eyes and lungs.
Table Tilt
The ability to tilt the table is another important feature to consider. A tilting table will allow you to make angled cuts, which is useful when working on certain projects.
When choosing a scroll saw, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. By considering these features, you can make an informed decision and choose the best scroll saw for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should a beginner look for in a scroll saw?
As a beginner, you should look for a scroll saw that is easy to use and has a variable speed control. The variable speed control will allow you to adjust the speed of the blade to match the material you are cutting. A saw with a tilting table will also be helpful for angled cuts.
Which scroll saw brands offer the best value for beginners?
There are several scroll saw brands that offer good value for beginners, including Dremel, WEN, and Delta. These brands offer affordable saws that are easy to use and have the necessary features for beginners.
What are the safety considerations for a novice using a scroll saw?
Safety should be a top priority when using a scroll saw. Always wear eye protection and keep your fingers away from the blade. Make sure the saw is properly secured to a stable surface and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How does one choose the right blade type for a beginner’s scroll saw project?
The type of blade you use will depend on the material you are cutting and the type of cut you want to make. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a basic blade type, such as a skip-tooth blade. As you gain experience, you can experiment with different blade types for more intricate cuts.
What are the maintenance basics for a scroll saw used by beginners?
To keep your scroll saw in good condition, it is important to regularly clean the sawdust and debris from the saw. You should also keep the blade sharp and properly tensioned. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance requirements.
Can you recommend any resources for scroll saw patterns suitable for beginners?
There are many resources available for scroll saw patterns, including online websites and books. Some good resources for beginners include Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts magazine and the book “Scroll Saw Workbook” by John A. Nelson.
